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Bushwalk Archives

Bushwalk Archives

2014 Bushwalks

November 2014: Palm Beach

Another magnificent Spring day smiled on 30 U3A walkers waiting at Lee St. bus stop for the trip to Palm Beach.

Stopping on the beach side of Palm Beach we had morning tea, amongst all the beach dwellers. After the break, it was a steep street walk up the peninsula to an area called Bible Garden. This small area has manicured gardens with a fish pond, and a view of Palm Beach and Barrenjoey peninsula.

On we walked into McKay Reserve, which has all the flora of the Ku-Ring-Gai National Park, where we had lunch on rock ledges overlooking Careel Bay, Pittwater.

After lunch we trekked through the bush land to the Pittwater side, then made our way to Palm Beach RSL for a “glass of water”, before returning by bus to Central.

September 2014: Bouddi National Park

Perfect autumn weather greeted 24 U3A walkers at Lee St. bus stop for the bus to Palm Beach, followed by a ferry across the picturesque Broken Bay, then across the tricky sand bars of Brisbane Waters.

After landing at Wagstaffe wharf, the walkers started their trek into the Bouddi NP. Making their way up to Box Head ridge, while passing Flannel Flowers, Red Gums and towering forest of Angophoras.

Lunch on large rock crops, over-looking Pearl Beach was the ideal position, with plenty of shade.

After the break, the walkers continued their way to Box Head. Here the view of the Tasman Sea, Barrenjoey Head, Lion Island and the mighty Hawkesbury River, made the walk worth while.

The return trip involved a coffee / ice cream stop at Wagstaffe General Store, then a ferry to Ettalong, bus to Woy Woy and finally the train to Central.

August 2014: Garrawarra Ridge Coast Walk

After three weeks of continuous rain, 21 Sydney U3A walkers were greeted at Otford station with a perfect day.

From the station there was a steep walk to the beginning of the Garrawarra Ridge Coastal track, which wound up the ridge to a flat fire trail. Walking the fire trail gave everyone plenty of time for some serious chic chat.

Lunch stop was at Garrawarra Farm. A large grassy area allowed for a bite to eat and a short nap.

On the return to Otford station, some of the walkers diverted to Werrong Point and others to the famous apple pie shop.

The walkers had trekked 16 km by the time they caught the 3.15 pm train.

July 2014: Warrimoo

The 27 U3A walkers arrived at Warrimoo station, where they were greeted by a fine cool day.

From the station, a short walk through some streets, then into Florabella Pass which leads into Glenbrook Gorge. Fortunately the walkers were fit, as sections of the track were quite steep.

In the gorge, tree ferns, small creeks and unusual rock formations painted a serene picture.

After lunch a slow trek up Pippas Pass to Blaxland shops. Here many of the walkers stopped at the local bakery for a mug of coffee or tea with cake. Then a short stroll to Blaxland station for the trip home.

June 2014: Ku-Ring-Gai to Apple Tree Bay

Despite the clear skies, there were plenty of gusty winds to challenge our 26 walkers. Most of us met at Hornsby Station, and took a train to Mount Ku-Ring-Gai Station.

The bitter winds made us question if we had enough warm clothes. Fortunately once we made our way down, the valley gave us full protecton from the chilly winds.

We wound our way down to Cowan Creek, passing remnants of the historic Woodnutt’s Boatshed (1910), then on to Apple Tree Bay, where we had lunch. During the lunch break the kiosk manager gave the walkers free icecream, due to problems with the refrigerator.

After lunch we made our way slowly back up to Mount Ku-Ring-Gai Station for the trip back home.

May 2014: Bundeena, Jibbon Head & Royal National Park

A balmy warm Autumn Sunday saw 28 walkers meeting at Central Station. Our train to Cronulla was followed by a ferry to Bundeena.

The walk started at Bundeena wharf, on to Gunyah Beach, then across Jibbon Beach to Jibbon Head. Here we stopped for lunch, looking over Port Hacking.

After lunch we tracked to the Aboriginal rock site, where the walkers tried to interpret the shapes of the carvings.

We continued across to the ocean side, then onwards to Shelley Beach, where we crossed back to Jobbon Beach, and finally the Bundeena RSL club for a well earned drink. Around 2:30 we made our way back to Bundeena wharf for our return trip.

April 2014: Westleigh to Thornleigh

Surprisingly, since our Sunday was wet and cool, 22 hardy walkers left Hornsby station on a bus to Westleigh.
This walk took us through Berowra Valley Regional Park, which finished near Thornleigh station.